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Tag: want

The human condition is one plagued by perpetual dissatisfaction. From the moment of our birth we cry out to be filled, and we never stop until the day we die. Well did Job say,

Man who is born of a woman is few of days and full of trouble.

Even when our needs are fully provided for—food, clothing, shelter—we are not content. We quickly become dissatisfied with what we have and crave something different.

Now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.

Food is given to nourish our bodies, but it becomes a snare to our souls when we look for it to provide what it cannot:

When you sit down to eat with a ruler, observe carefully what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite. Do not desire his delicacies, for they are deceptive food.

Worldly wealth yields no lasting contentment—we perpetually desire to tear down our barns and build bigger ones. But Scripture warns us of the futility of such hope:

Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven.

Moth and rust destroy our treasures and thieves break in and steal, testifying that there is nothing on earth that fully satisfy the desires of the human soul. As it is said,

What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot be counted.

But thanks be to God, there is a heavenly provision that surpasses what earth can offer. Jesus is the living water that eternally defeats our thirst:

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved.

Jesus offers spiritual food without money and without price:

Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.

He serves a better wine than that of Cana, a heavenly draught that slakes our appetites, gladdens our souls, and gives us abundant life.

Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.

And when we die, those who have trusted in Him will hear the proclamation that all our needs have been abolished and everlasting satisfaction has been granted to us just as it has to Him:

Enter into the joy of your master.

Lord, thank you for reminding us that no earthly blessing can ever satisfy our hearts or fill our stomachs. You are the One who created our needs, and You are the One who fulfills them. Help us in our discontent to remember that our desires are fully and forever met in You and You alone!

Let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.